A Mom for Christmas (1990)

Brilliant and touching

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

It's a movie as timely as it is provocative and amazingly, for much of its running time, it is weirdly funny.

I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 400 (C H R I S T M A S ) MOVIES AND SPECIALS.BEWARE OF BOGUS REVIEWS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW. WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE PRODUCTION. NOW I HAVE NO AGENDA! I AM HONEST! I REVIEW MOVIES & SPECIALS AS A WAY TO KEEP TRACK OF WHAT I HAVE SEEN!"A Mom For Christmas" is a 1990 television film produced by Disney. In this film a motherless girl is granted a "Christmas Wish". Her wish comes true when she gets a "Mom" for Christmas who in reality is a department store mannequin come to life.The story revolves around 11-year-old Jessica (Juliet Sorcey), whose mother died when she was three years old. Her father, Jim (Doug Sheehan), is a workaholic with little time for his daughter and hasn't been able to spend time with her since her mother's death 8 years prior and still seems to be mourning her.The film is well worth watching. If you have never seen it you should. It is very charming. Doris Robert co-stars! This film is a winner. If you love Christmas movies this is a must.

Somewhat like "Mannequin", she comes to life after a lonely child wishes to have a mom just for Christmas, as her own mom passed-on eight years ago. So a department store mannequin comes to life and acts quite wooden-headed at first. She almost burns down the house with an old-fashioned candle-lit Christmas tree. Similar to "Toy Story", the dept. store mannequins all come to life at night, when no one is around. This is a live-action fantasy. Well-produced with many cute touches, as the Santa mannequin is put back together after getting hit by a car. Look for "Scott Farquis" ("A Christmas Story"), who teases the little girl. There are a few pleasant songs by Olivia, but it's really not a musical. A lot of fun, as the "mannequin" chauffeur at the store drives everyone around in his Rolls Royce limousine, and has great fun teasing the cynical store detective who thinks everyone is a shoplifter. It has a predictable "Pinocchio-like" fairy tale ending, which both my (then) young teen-aged daughters loved. Sometimes plays on the Disney Channels at Christmas. Olivia looked great in 1990. Also stars Doris Roberts as "Philomena" the magical "dresser" of the dept. store mannequins. Originally, a Wonderful World of Disney TV movie. Only available thru Disney's Movie Club and Disney Stores. It's Worth it! (Don't buy the "unofficial" version on-line. It's terrible quality.)

A very sorry tale--with a weird message and dismal "anwser" for kids grieving a parent. It doesn't work. This story doesn't resonate with even a fairytale depiction of hopes and dreams or recognizable human characteristics.The premise of "A Mom for Christmas" is that a little girl misses her dead mother and so she wishes a store mannequin will be her mom for the holiday. What?! What studio executive thought there was an audience of kids who want a mannequin for a parent? The script doesn't work, even though, in the fairy godmother role, Doris Roberts (as the magical mentor) does her best. She is the one bright spot in this movie.Unfortunately, the acting styles of the rest of the cast do nothing to redeem a poorly conceived story.Olivia Newton John doesn't aspire to portray any deeper emotions or intellect than a store mannequin--even though she was supposed to "come to life" and fulfill the little girl's wish for a real mom. Her idea of depicting emotions consist of a lot of exaggerated and laughable eye-popping.Instead of creating a mom character the little girl could bond with, Olivia plays the role like she herself were a five-year-old girl in a sitcom--constantly opening her eyes wide, like a surprised bat.WHY THE MOVIE DOESN'T WORK...Most fairy tales are based in tragedy--especially comedies. The well-made fairy tales can make us believe in even the most far-fetched premise because they infuse the fantasy with a subtext of human experience--our secret wishes, hopes, fears and dreams."A Mom For Christmas" aspires to be a Christmas fairytale--but lacks any compelling story elements.Compare other Christmas fairy tales: For example: "ELF" Will Ferrell is an orphaned human adopted by elves. although he loves his "elf family", deep-down, Will feels like an outsider. The movie uses humor to tell a simple tale but under the silly antics and fun, we appreciate his quest to find out about his mysterious past and recognize Will's longing to "belong." Even though it is a light and silly movie, we care about Will as the "Elf" and go along with the "Fairytale" elements because the underlying premise of the movie resonates with the human experience of hopes and dreams.Unfortuanately, this Christmas "fairytale" flops.

This is true xmas fantasy in the best of disney tradition.Lighthearted,sentimental escapism that can be enjoyed by all the family. Olivia plays amy a store mannequin that comes to life as the xmas wish of a 9 yr old little girl.Storyline is a bit flimsy but that's what fantasy is all about right? Olivia looks good(as always!)and does an adequate job with the script given her.A bit cutesy and sugary in places,but it's a xmas movie after all,something light for all to enjoy,it's not ben hur or schindlers list it's a wholesome xmas fantasy to be enjoyed by young and old alike. I rate this an 8.